The presidents are coming to the Wayne Theatre

Posted on September 27, 2016

A three-part series at the Wayne Theatre beginning Tuesday, Sept. 27, will bring the third, fourth and fifth presidents of the United States to life.

Historical interpreters William Barker, Dennis Bigelow and John Douglas Hall will portray Central Virginia’s own Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe as part of the Signature Speaker Series: The Founding Fathers this fall at the Historic Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center in Waynesboro.

“It’s like taking a trip back in a time machine to the 19th century. Each of these men do just a wonderful job bringing the past to life,” said Tracy Straight, the executive director of the Wayne Theatre.

“We’re fortunate to have them add an element of historical interpretation to our successful Signature Speaker Series. Their presentations will be lively and interactive, and we’re looking forward to having the presidents on our stage,” Straight said.

The opening event in the Founding Fathers series, set for Tuesday, Sept. 27, will be presented by Bigelow, a historical interpreter who portrays Monroe and who teaches a class on the fifth president through UVA’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the focus turns to Madison with a lecture presented by Hall, a historical interpreter who has been portraying the Father of the Constitution for more than 30 years.

The final event in the Founding Fathers series is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22, on Monroe and Jefferson, featuring Dennis Bigelow as Monroe and William Barker, a historical re-enactor who has been portraying Jefferson since 1984.

All three events in the Signature Speaker Series: The Founding Fathers begin at 7 p.m. Admission is pay what you will. No advance tickets are required.

The Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center is located at 521 West Main Street in downtown Waynesboro.